For the past numbers of weeks, we have been on a journey of discovery of the thoughts, observations, and solutions about challenges in the fields of Quality Management and Supply Chain Management, as articulated by Dr. W. Edwards Deming. Practical applications of his theories have been discussed, and the enduring nature of his works have [...]
“Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” If ethics could be summarized in a single phrase, I think this might be it. It applies to the destructive practice in which some buying organizations engage, when they habitually pay invoices late, settling accounts far beyond the negotiated payment terms. In my career as [...]
History has not been kind to narcissists and egocentrics. Consider the fates of such figures as Caligula, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Benito Mussolini, Adolph Hitler, and Saddam Hussein. Reviled dictators all, who burned hot for a while, then met with tragic – some might argue deserved – ends. I don’t know about you, but I [...]
In the capstone of his Fourteen Points, Deming urges management to form a team to advance the thirteen other points. This is a cultural change that must take place – a long and sometimes arduous road with the promise of long-term profitability and sustainability as the prize. Deming introduces, or at least stresses the use of what [...]
Deming’s 13th Point advises us to “Institute a Vigorous Program of Education and Retraining”. This is critical both for the business entity and for the individual. This is especially true in the 21st Century environment, where technology, as indispensible as it is, changes so rapidly that it is almost impossible to keep up. Some new [...]
“Remove Barriers to Pride of Workmanship” (A Personal View) Dr. Deming’s 12th Point speaks to the issues of employee empowerment, the necessity of recognizing and dealing with employee discontent, and encouraging managers to allow employees’ true talents to shine through into the firm’s final products. Dr. Deming observed that while managers in American companies were [...]
Point 11: “Eliminate Numerical Quotas” (A Personal View) Dr. Deming is no stranger to controversy, and perhaps never more so than in his articulation of Point #11. Performance driven management has become conventional wisdom, coming into considerable conflict with the Deming management method. Deming very much opposed management’s habit of setting arbitrary production quotas [...]
My professional background is predominantly in retailing. I cannot begin to relate the number of times great ideas have met with failure due to the inability of different areas to communicate and work together as a team. Promotions are critical to the sales performance in many retailers. My son delivers newspapers to our neighbours that [...]
Perhaps it is the powerful simplicity of its title. Or perhaps it is the level of effort and commitment that is required to accomplish this goal. But of all the 14 Points assembled by Dr. Deming, I find this one to be the most compelling, and the one which drew me into studying this man’s [...]
Here are profiles of two very different supervisors: “Boss A”: As an employee, you would describe this person as friendly, easily approachable, and helpful. Knowledgeable about the business and the company, “Boss A” freely shares her skills and knowledge with you and your peers. Her knowledge has been gained both by experience within the industry [...]
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